Continuous Glucose Monitoring Impact and Implications of Real-World Evidence: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Randomized controlled trials, which are considered the highest level of scientific evidence, have shown significant glycemic benefits associated with use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in individuals with diabetes who are treated with intensive insulin regimens. However, numerous prospective, retrospective, and observational studies have investigated the impact of CGM in various diabetes populations treated with nonintensive therapies. Results from these studies have contributed to changes in payer coverage, prescriber behaviors, and expanding use of CGM. This article reviews findings from recent real-world studies, highlights the key lessons learned from these studies, and discusses how we need to move forward in increasing utilization of and access to CGM among all diabetes patients who would benefit from this technology.

Keywords: CGM; Continuous glucose monitoring; Prospective; Real-world evidence; Type 1 diabetes; Type 2 diabetes.